If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to adore this Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmering low and slow in a rich, savory gravy that’s packed with layers of flavor—from the beef broth and onion soup mix to the subtle tang of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. This recipe takes the classic Salisbury steak concept and transforms it into delightful meatballs that are effortless to prepare but bursting with taste, making weeknight dinners or cozy Sunday meals something special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so special. Each element works together to create that silky gravy and mouthwatering meatballs you’ll want to savor.
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs: The star of the dish, convenience meets tenderness when these cook slowly in the sauce.
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth: Adds a rich base flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Provides the classic gravy flavor that’s essential to Salisbury steak dishes.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Brings savory depth and a slightly sweet onion punch to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a mild tang and subtle sweetness to brighten the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses an umami boost with its complex, slightly smoky character.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce nicely in the final cooking stage.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry that prevents lumps.
How to Make Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gravy
Start by combining the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce right in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir so all the flavors blend beautifully. This mixture is the flavorful bath your meatballs are going to soak in, creating that rich, comforting gravy everyone loves.
Step 2: Add the Meatballs
Next, add the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker. Don’t worry about thawing them beforehand—that’s the beauty of this recipe. Just nestle them into the gravy mixture and gently coat each one. This hands-off approach makes dinner prep a breeze.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours if you have the time. If you’re short on time, the high setting will do the trick in 3 to 4 hours. Either way, the slow cooker will work its magic to tenderize the meatballs and infuse them with all those delicious gravy flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let the sauce thicken up. This step is key to getting that glossy, smooth gravy that clings perfectly to the meatballs.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the gravy reaches the desired thickness, give everything a final stir and get ready to dig in. These Salisbury Steak Meatballs pair beautifully with classic sides and are sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
How to Serve Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor contrast to the richness of the gravy. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side works wonders too.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are a timeless choice that soaks up the luscious gravy perfectly, but creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles are fantastic alternatives. If you’re craving something lighter, roasted green beans or steamed broccoli bring a fresh balance to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice with steamed vegetables on the side for a colorful one-pot meal. For a cozy twist, spoon the meatballs and gravy over baked potatoes, topping with shredded cheese and green onions. The possibilities are as fun as you want to make them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salisbury Steak Meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs with gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and heat in short increments to avoid drying out the meatballs.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will add a personal touch and can be just as delicious. Just brown them first before adding to the slow cooker for best texture.
Is it necessary to use both the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix?
Using both enhances the depth of flavor, combining savory, sweet, and tangy notes that make the gravy irresistible, but you can experiment with one if needed.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can use the sauté and slow cook functions or pressure cook the meatballs with liquid for a quicker version, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
How thick will the sauce be after adding the cornstarch slurry?
The sauce thickens to a smooth, gravy-like consistency that clings to the meatballs without being gloopy—perfect for spooning over sides.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra ingredients and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making the Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe is one of those effortless wins that fills your home with amazing aromas and your plate with pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a satisfying solo meal, this dish delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite go-to slow cooker recipe!
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Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tasty Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs recipe offers a comforting and savory meal perfect for busy days. With frozen meatballs simmered in a rich brown gravy infused with onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Cooked slowly to tender perfection, these meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 30–35 meatballs)
Gravy
- 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy: In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
- Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated with the gravy mixture to absorb the flavors during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the meatballs to fully heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened, gently stir the meatballs and sauce together. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use frozen meatballs directly from the freezer; no need to thaw before cooking.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter taste.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, add more cornstarch slurry gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a microwave or stovetop.
- Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
